Thermal management sensors

ABSTRACT

A refuse vehicle comprising a chassis, a body assembly coupled to the chassis, the body assembly defining a refuse compartment, and a thermal event monitoring system comprising one or more sampling elements configured to sample an environmental condition associated with a portion of the refuse vehicle and a processing circuit configured to receive a sample from the one or more sampling elements and determine a presence of a thermal event indicating at least one of a fire or an overheating component.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 63/011,332 filed on Apr. 17, 2020,the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

Refuse vehicles collect a wide variety of waste, trash, and othermaterial from residences and businesses. Operators of the refusevehicles transport the material from various waste receptacles within amunicipality to a storage or processing facility (e.g., a landfill, anincineration facility, a recycling facility, etc.).

SUMMARY

One implementation of the present disclosure is a refuse vehiclecomprising a chassis, a body assembly coupled to the chassis, the bodyassembly defining a refuse compartment, and a thermal event monitoringsystem comprising one or more sampling elements configured to sample anenvironmental condition associated with a portion of the refuse vehicleand a processing circuit configured to receive a sample from the one ormore sampling elements and determine a presence of a thermal eventindicating at least one of a fire or an overheating component.

In some embodiments, the processing circuit is further configured toalert an operator of the refuse vehicle of the thermal event via a userinterface of the refuse vehicle. In some embodiments, the one or moresampling elements include an air sampling line configured to capture airfrom the portion of the refuse vehicle and transport the air to adifferent portion of the refuse vehicle and wherein the sample for theone or more sampling elements includes the air. In some embodiments, theone or more sampling elements further include an air purge systemconfigured to provide compressed air to the air sampling line to cleardebris from at least one of an inside of the air sampling line or asampling opening of the air sampling line. In some embodiments, the oneor more sampling elements include an aspirating smoke detectorpositioned at the different portion of the refuse vehicle and configuredto analyze the air to detect the thermal event. In some embodiments, theone or more sampling elements include a temperature sensor configured tomeasure at least one of an air temperature or a temperature of a surfacethe temperature sensor is coupled to and wherein the sample from the oneor more sampling elements includes a temperature measurement. In someembodiments, the temperature sensor is positioned in an enginecompartment of the refuse vehicle and configured to measure atemperature associated with a prime mover of the refuse vehicle. In someembodiments, the temperature sensor is positioned to measure atemperature associated with a battery of the refuse vehicle. In someembodiments, the temperature sensor includes a resistance temperaturedetector (RTD) positioned to measure a temperature associated with arefuse compartment of the refuse vehicle. In some embodiments, thetemperature sensor is positioned between a cab of the refuse vehicle andthe refuse compartment.

Another implementation of the present disclosure is a thermal eventmonitoring system for a refuse vehicle comprising a sampling elementconfigured to sample an environmental condition associated with aportion of the refuse vehicle and a processing circuit comprising aprocessor and memory, the memory having instructions stored thereonthat, when executed by the processor, cause the processing circuit toreceive a sample from the sampling element, and determine a presence ofa thermal event indicating at least one of a fire or an overheatingcomponent.

In some embodiments, the instructions further cause the processingcircuit to alert an operator of the refuse vehicle of the thermal eventvia a user interface of the refuse vehicle. In some embodiments, thesampling element includes an air sampling line configured to capture airfrom the portion of the refuse vehicle and transport the air to adifferent portion of the refuse vehicle and wherein the sample of thesampling element includes the air. In some embodiments, the samplingelement further includes an air purge system configured to providecompressed air to the air sampling line to clear debris from at leastone of an inside of the air sampling line or a sampling opening of theair sampling line. In some embodiments, the sampling element includes anaspirating smoke detector positioned at the different portion of therefuse vehicle and configured to analyze the air to detect the thermalevent. In some embodiments, the sampling element includes a temperaturesensor configured to measure at least one of an air temperature or atemperature of a surface the temperature sensor is coupled to andwherein the sample from the sampling element includes a temperaturemeasurement. In some embodiments, the temperature sensor is positionedin an engine compartment of the refuse vehicle and configured to measurea temperature associated with a prime mover of the refuse vehicle. Insome embodiments, the temperature sensor is positioned to measure atemperature associated with a battery of the refuse vehicle. In someembodiments, the temperature sensor includes a resistance temperaturedetector (RTD) positioned to measure a temperature associated with arefuse compartment of the refuse vehicle. In some embodiments, thetemperature sensor is positioned between a cab of the refuse vehicle andthe refuse compartment.

Another implementation of the present disclosure is a refuse vehiclecomprising a chassis, a body assembly coupled to the chassis, the bodyassembly defining a refuse compartment, and a thermal event monitoringsystem comprising a sampling element configured to detect a thermalevent associated with the refuse vehicle indicating at least one of afire or an overheating component and transmit a notification in responseto detecting the thermal event.

In some embodiments, transmitting the notification includes transmittingan indication of the thermal event to at least one of an emergencyresponse team or a fleet management system, wherein the indicationincludes a GPS location of the refuse vehicle. In some embodiments,transmitting the notification includes alerting an operator of therefuse vehicle of the thermal event via a user interface of the refusevehicle. In some embodiments, the sampling element includes at least oneof an aspirating smoke detector or a resistance temperature detector. Insome embodiments, transmitting the notification includes transmittingdata via telematics to an external computing system. In someembodiments, transmitting the data via telematics includes updating avirtual refuse vehicle model stored by the external computing system. Insome embodiments, transmitting the notification includes transmitting analarm to an external fire suppression system of a space the refusevehicle is located in, wherein the alarm causes the external firesuppression system to perform a fire suppression action.

Another implementation of the present disclosure is a telematics systemfor a refuse vehicle comprising a processing circuit including aprocessor and memory, the memory having instructions stored thereonthat, when executed by the processor, cause the processing circuit toreceive a sensor measurement from a sensor coupled to the refusevehicle, detect, based on the sensor measurement, a thermal eventassociated with the refuse vehicle indicating at least one of a fire oran overheating component, and transmit a notification in response todetecting the thermal event.

In some embodiments, transmitting the notification includes transmittingan indication of the thermal event to at least one of an emergencyresponse team or a fleet management system, wherein the indicationincludes a GPS location of the refuse vehicle. In some embodiments,transmitting the notification includes alerting an operator of therefuse vehicle of the thermal event via a user interface of the refusevehicle. In some embodiments, the sensor includes at least one of anaspirating smoke detector or a resistance temperature detector. In someembodiments, transmitting the notification includes transmitting datavia telematics to an external computing system. In some embodiments,transmitting the data via telematics includes updating a virtual refusevehicle model stored by the external computing system. In someembodiments, transmitting the notification includes transmitting analarm to an external fire suppression system of a space the refusevehicle is located in, wherein the alarm causes the external firesuppression system to perform a fire suppression action.

Another implementation of the present disclosure is a fleet managementsystem for managing one or more refuse vehicles comprising a databasestoring a virtual representation of each of the one or more refusevehicles, a processing system configured to communicate with the one ormore refuse vehicles via one or more transceivers integrated with theone or more refuse vehicles, and one or more computing devicesintegrated with the one or more refuse vehicles, each of the one or morecomputing devices configured to receive a sensor measurement from asensor coupled to a refuse vehicle of the one or more refuse vehicles,detect, based on the sensor measurement, a thermal event associated withthe refuse vehicle indicating at least one of a fire or an overheatingcomponent, and in response to detecting the thermal event, cause atransceiver of the one or more transceivers to transmit a notificationof the thermal event to the processing system.

In some embodiments, causing the transceiver to transmit thenotification includes transmitting an indication of the thermal event toan emergency response team, wherein the indication includes a GPSlocation of the refuse vehicle. In some embodiments, each of the one ormore computing devices are further configured to cause a user interfaceof the refuse vehicle to alert an operator of the refuse vehicle of thethermal event. In some embodiments, the sensor includes at least one ofan aspirating smoke detector or a resistance temperature detector. Insome embodiments, in response to receiving the notification, theprocessing system is configured to update the virtual representation ofa refuse vehicle of the one or more refuse vehicles to include anindication of the thermal event. In some embodiments, causing thetransceiver to transmit the notification includes transmitting an alarmto an external fire suppression system of a space the refuse vehicle islocated in, wherein the alarm causes the external fire suppressionsystem to perform a fire suppression action.

This summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any waylimiting. Other aspects, inventive features, and advantages of thedevices or processes described herein will become apparent in thedetailed description set forth herein, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to likeelements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a refuse vehicle, according to anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a rear discharge mixer, according to anexemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 2A-2F are a number of views of the refuse vehicle of FIG. 1 havinga thermal management system, according to various exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the thermal management system of FIG. 2 ,according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a housing for the thermal managementsystem of FIG. 3 , according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method of thermal event monitoring for abattery, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method of thermal event monitoring for anengine, according to an exemplary embodiment; and

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method of thermal event monitoring for a bodyof a refuse vehicle, according to an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before turning to the figures, which illustrate certain exemplaryembodiments in detail, it should be understood that the presentdisclosure is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in thedescription or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understoodthat the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description onlyand should not be regarded as limiting.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a thermal event monitoring systemfor refuse vehicles is disclosed herein. The thermal event monitoringsystem may monitor a body of a refuse vehicle and/or an environment ofthe refuse vehicle to detect thermal events (e.g., excess heatgeneration, flames, etc.) and may generate alerts based on the detectedthermal events. For example, the thermal event monitoring system maydetect a flame in a refuse compartment of a refuse vehicle and alert anoperator of the refuse vehicle of the flame. As another example, thethermal event monitoring system may detect unexpected heat in an enginecompartment and/or a battery system of the refuse vehicle that indicatesa problem and transmit a telematics alert to a vehicle managementsystem. In various embodiments, the thermal event monitoring systemincludes sensors positioned around a body of the refuse vehicle. Forexample, the thermal event monitoring system may include spot heatdetectors. Additionally or alternatively, the thermal event monitoringsystem may include linear heat detectors. In some embodiments, thethermal event monitoring system includes an aspirating smoke detector.For example, the thermal event monitoring system may include various airsampling passages (e.g., tubes, pipes, etc.) configured to sample airfrom within a refuse compartment of the refuse vehicle and transport theair to an aspirating smoke detector for detection. In variousembodiments, the sensors of the thermal event monitoring system arepositioned on an outside surface of the refuse vehicle body, therebyprotecting the sensors from potentially damaging materials inside therefuse vehicle body (e.g., caustic refuse inside a refuse compartment,etc.). Additionally or alternatively, the sensors of the thermal eventmonitoring system may be positioned within the refuse vehicle (e.g.,integrated within a sidewall of a refuse compartment of the refusevehicle, etc.).

In various embodiments, the thermal event monitoring system facilitatesalert generation. For example, in response to detecting a thermal event(e.g., a hot spot, excess heat, a flame, etc.), the thermal eventmonitoring system may display a graphic on a user interface. As anotherexample, in response to detecting a thermal event the thermal eventmonitoring system may flash an indicator light (e.g., an LED, etc.)and/or generate an audio alert. As yet another example, in response todetecting a thermal event the thermal event monitoring system maytransmit a telematics notification, including context informationrelating to the thermal event, to an external system such as a vehiclemanagement system/fleet management system. In some embodiments, thethermal event monitoring system may facilitate rerouting the refusevehicle to a safe location. For example, in response to detecting athermal event, the thermal event monitoring system may generate anavigational route for the refuse vehicle to direct the refuse vehicleto a service location. In some embodiments, the thermal event monitoringsystem facilitates alerting external systems. For example, in responseto detecting a thermal event, the thermal event monitoring system maytransmit a GPS location to a fleet management system. As an additionalexample, the thermal event monitoring system may also transmit a GPSlocation to an emergency response team (e.g., a 911 operator, etc.).

Overall Vehicle

As shown in FIG. 1A, a vehicle, shown as refuse vehicle 10 (e.g., agarbage truck, a waste collection truck, a sanitation truck, a recyclingtruck, etc.), is configured as a front-loading refuse truck. In otherembodiments, the refuse vehicle 10 is configured as a side-loadingrefuse truck or a rear-loading refuse truck. In still other embodiments,the vehicle is another type of vehicle (e.g., a skid-loader, atelehandler, a plow truck, a boom lift, etc.). As shown in FIG. 1A, therefuse vehicle 10 includes a chassis, shown as frame 12; a bodyassembly, shown as body 14, coupled to the frame 12 (e.g., at a rear endthereof, etc.); and a cab, shown as cab 16, coupled to the frame 12(e.g., at a front end thereof, etc.). The cab 16 may include variouscomponents to facilitate operation of the refuse vehicle 10 by anoperator (e.g., a seat, a steering wheel, actuator controls, a userinterface, switches, buttons, dials, etc.).

As shown in FIG. 1A, the refuse vehicle 10 includes a prime mover, shownas motor 18. In various embodiments, motor 18 is disposed within acompartment such as engine compartment 20. In some embodiments, theprime mover is or includes an internal combustion engine. According tothe exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, the motor 18 is coupled tothe frame 12 at a position beneath the cab 16. The motor 18 isconfigured to provide power to a plurality of tractive elements, shownas wheels 22 (e.g., via a drive shaft, axles, etc.). In otherembodiments, the motor 18 is otherwise positioned. In some embodiments,the refuse vehicle 10 includes a plurality of other motors (e.g.,electric motors, etc.) to facilitate independently driving one or moreof the wheels 22. In still other embodiments, the motor 18 or asecondary motor is coupled to and configured to drive a hydraulic systemthat powers hydraulic actuators.

In one embodiment, the refuse vehicle 10 is a completely electric refusevehicle. In other embodiments, the refuse vehicle 10 includes aninternal combustion generator that utilizes one or more fuels (e.g.,gasoline, diesel, propane, natural gas, hydrogen, etc.) to generateelectricity to power the motor 18, power actuators, and/or power theother accessories (e.g., a hybrid refuse vehicle, etc.). For example,the refuse vehicle 10 may have an electric motor augmented by the motor18 (e.g., a combustion engine) to cooperatively provide power to thewheels 22.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the refuse vehicle 10 isconfigured to transport refuse from various waste receptacles within amunicipality to a storage and/or processing facility (e.g., a landfill,an incineration facility, a recycling facility, etc.). As shown in FIG.1A, the body 14 includes a plurality of panels, shown as panels 32, atailgate 34, and a cover 36. The panels 32, the tailgate 34, and thecover 36 define a collection chamber (e.g., hopper, etc.), shown asrefuse compartment 30. Loose refuse may be placed into the refusecompartment 30 where it may thereafter be compacted (e.g., by a packersystem, etc.). The refuse compartment 30 may provide temporary storagefor refuse during transport to a waste disposal site and/or a recyclingfacility. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the body 14 and therefuse compartment 30 extend above or in front of the cab 16. Accordingto the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, the body 14 and the refusecompartment 30 are positioned behind the cab 16. In some embodiments,the refuse compartment 30 includes a hopper volume and a storage volume.Refuse may be initially loaded into the hopper volume and thereaftercompacted into the storage volume. According to an exemplary embodiment,the hopper volume is positioned between the storage volume and the cab16 (e.g., refuse is loaded into a position of the refuse compartment 30behind the cab 16 and stored in a position further toward the rear ofthe refuse compartment 30, a front-loading refuse vehicle, aside-loading refuse vehicle, etc.). In other embodiments, the storagevolume is positioned between the hopper volume and the cab 16 (e.g., arear-loading refuse vehicle, etc.).

As shown in FIG. 1A, the refuse vehicle 10 includes a liftmechanism/system (e.g., a front-loading lift assembly, etc.), shown aslift assembly 40, coupled to the front end of the body 14. In otherembodiments, the lift assembly 40 extends rearward of the body 14 (e.g.,a rear-loading refuse vehicle, etc.). In still other embodiments, thelift assembly 40 extends from a side of the body 14 (e.g., aside-loading refuse vehicle, etc.). As shown in FIG. 1A, the liftassembly 40 is configured to engage a container (e.g., a residentialtrash receptacle, a commercial trash receptacle, a container having arobotic grabber arm, etc.), shown as refuse container 60. The liftassembly 40 may include various actuators (e.g., electric actuators,hydraulic actuators, pneumatic actuators, etc.) to facilitate engagingthe refuse container 60, lifting the refuse container 60, and tippingrefuse out of the refuse container 60 into the hopper volume of therefuse compartment 30 through an opening in the cover 36 or through thetailgate 34. The lift assembly 40 may thereafter return the empty refusecontainer 60 to the ground. According to an exemplary embodiment, adoor, shown as top door 38, is movably coupled along the cover 36 toseal the opening thereby preventing refuse from escaping the refusecompartment 30 (e.g., due to wind, bumps in the road, etc.). In variousembodiments, the thermal event monitoring system of the presentdisclosure is usable with other vehicles such as mixers, utilityvehicles, and/or the like, as described below with reference to FIG. 1B.

According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1B, a vehicle, shownas concrete mixing truck 100, includes a drum assembly, shown as drumassembly 110, and a control system, shown as drum control system 150.According to an exemplary embodiment, the concrete mixing truck 100 isconfigured as a rear-discharge concrete mixing truck. In otherembodiments, the concrete mixing truck 100 is configured as afront-discharge concrete mixing truck. As shown in FIG. 1B, the concretemixing truck 100 includes a chassis, shown as frame 102, a cab, shown ascab 104, coupled to the frame 102 (e.g., at a front end thereof, etc.).The drum assembly 110 is coupled to the frame 102 and disposed behindthe cab 104 (e.g., at a rear end thereof, etc.), according to theexemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1B. In other embodiments, at least aportion of the drum assembly 110 extends in front of the cab 104. Thecab 104 may include various components to facilitate operation of theconcrete mixing truck 100 by an operator (e.g., a seat, a steeringwheel, hydraulic controls, a user interface, switches, buttons, dials,etc.).

As shown in FIG. 1B, the concrete mixing truck 100 includes a primemover, shown as engine 106. As shown in FIG. 1B, the engine 106 iscoupled to the frame 102 at a position beneath the cab 104. The engine106 may be configured to utilize one or more of a variety of fuels(e.g., gasoline, diesel, bio-diesel, ethanol, natural gas, etc.),according to various exemplary embodiments. According to an alternativeembodiment, the engine 106 additionally or alternatively includes one ormore electric motors coupled to the frame 102 (e.g., a hybrid vehicle,an electric vehicle, etc.). The electric motors may consume electricalpower from an on-board storage device (e.g., batteries,ultra-capacitors, etc.), from an on-board generator (e.g., an internalcombustion engine, etc.), and/or from an external power source (e.g.,overhead power lines, etc.) and provide power to systems of the concretemixing truck 100.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the concrete mixing truck 100 includes a powertransfer device, shown as transmission 108. In various embodiments, theengine 106 is coupled to the transmission 108. In one embodiment, theengine 106 produces mechanical power (e.g., due to a combustionreaction, etc.) that flows into the transmission 108. As shown in FIG.1B, the concrete mixing truck 100 includes a first drive system, shownas vehicle drive system 120, that is coupled to the transmission 108.The vehicle drive system 120 may include drive shafts, differentials,and other components coupling the transmission 108 with a ground surfaceto move the concrete mixing truck 100. As shown in FIG. 1B, the concretemixing truck 100 includes a plurality of tractive elements, shown aswheels 122, that engage a ground surface to move the concrete mixingtruck 100. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the mechanical powerproduced by the engine 106 flows through the transmission 108 and intothe vehicle drive system 120 to power at least a portion of the wheels122 (e.g., front wheels, rear wheels, etc.). In one embodiment, energy(e.g., mechanical energy, etc.) flows along a first power path definedfrom the engine 106, through the transmission 108, and to the vehicledrive system 120.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the drum assembly 110 of the concrete mixing truck100 includes a drum, shown as mixing drum 112. The mixing drum 112 iscoupled to the frame 102 and disposed behind the cab 104 (e.g., at arear and/or middle of the frame 102, etc.). As shown in FIG. 1B, thedrum assembly 110 includes a second drive system, shown as drum drivesystem 130, that is coupled to the frame 102. The concrete mixing truck100 includes a first support, shown as front pedestal 160, and a secondsupport, shown as rear pedestal 180. According to an exemplaryembodiment, the front pedestal 160 and the rear pedestal 180cooperatively couple (e.g., attach, secure, etc.) the mixing drum 112 tothe frame 102 and facilitate rotation of the mixing drum 112 relative tothe frame 102. In an alternative embodiment, the drum assembly 110 isconfigured as a stand-alone mixing drum that is not coupled (e.g.,fixed, attached, etc.) to a vehicle. In such an embodiment, the drumassembly 110 may be mounted to a stand-alone frame. The stand-aloneframe may be a chassis including wheels that assist with the positioningof the stand-alone mixing drum on a worksite. Such a stand-alone mixingdrum may also be detachably coupled to and/or capable of being loadedonto a vehicle such that the stand-alone mixing drum may be transportedby the vehicle.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the mixing drum 112 defines a central, longitudinalaxis, shown as axis 118. According to an exemplary embodiment, the drumdrive system 130 is configured to selectively rotate the mixing drum 112about the axis 118. As shown in FIG. 1B, the axis 118 is angled relativeto the frame 102 such that the axis 118 intersects with the frame 102.According to an exemplary embodiment, the axis 118 is elevated from theframe 102 at an angle in the range of five degrees to twenty degrees. Inother embodiments, the axis 118 is elevated by less than five degrees(e.g., four degrees, three degrees, etc.) or greater than twenty degrees(e.g., twenty-five degrees, thirty degrees, etc.). In an alternativeembodiment, the concrete mixing truck 100 includes an actuatorpositioned to facilitate selectively adjusting the axis 118 to a desiredor target angle (e.g., manually in response to an operatorinput/command, automatically according to a control scheme, etc.).

As shown in FIG. 1B, the mixing drum 112 of the drum assembly 110includes an inlet, shown as hopper 140, and an outlet, shown as chute142. According to an exemplary embodiment, the mixing drum 112 isconfigured to receive a mixture, such as a concrete mixture (e.g.,cementitious material, aggregate, sand, etc.), with the hopper 140. Asshown in FIG. 1B, the mixing drum 112 includes a port, shown asinjection port 114. The injection port 114 may provide access into theinterior of the mixing drum 112 to inject water and/or chemicals (e.g.,air entrainers, water reducers, set retarders, set accelerators,superplasticizers, corrosion inhibitors, coloring, calcium chloride,minerals, and/or other concrete additives, etc.). According to anexemplary embodiment, the injection port 114 includes an injection valvethat facilitates injecting the water and/or the chemicals from a fluidreservoir (e.g., a water tank, etc.) into the mixing drum 112 tointeract with the mixture, while preventing the mixture within themixing drum 112 from exiting the mixing drum 112 through the injectionport 114. In some embodiments, the mixing drum 112 includes multipleinjection ports 114 (e.g., two injection ports, three injection ports,etc.) configured to facilitate independently injecting different waterand/or chemicals into the mixing drum 112. The mixing drum 112 mayinclude a mixing element (e.g., fins, etc.) positioned within theinterior thereof. The mixing element may be configured to (i) agitatethe contents of mixture within the mixing drum 112 when the mixing drum112 is rotated by the drum drive system 130 in a first direction (e.g.,counterclockwise, clockwise, etc.) and (ii) drive the mixture within themixing drum 112 out through the chute 142 when the mixing drum 112 isrotated by the drum drive system 130 in an opposing second direction(e.g., clockwise, counterclockwise, etc.).

Thermal Event Monitoring System

Referring now to FIGS. 2A-2F, various implementations of refuse vehicle10 equipped with a thermal event monitoring system are shown, accordingto a number of exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that whilethe thermal event monitoring system of the present disclosure isdescribed in relation to refuse vehicle 10 it is also usable with othervehicles (e.g., trucks, semi-trailers, construction equipment, etc.).For example, the thermal event monitoring system may be used with autility vehicle and/or a mixer (e.g., concrete mixing truck 100, etc.).In various embodiments, refuse vehicle 10 equipped with the thermalevent monitoring system includes sensor(s) 210. Sensor(s) 210 mayinclude heat detectors, flame detectors, linear heat detectors,aspirating smoke detector, thermal imaging devices, a photoelectricdevice, and/or the like. In some embodiments, sensor(s) 210 include animage capture device. For example, sensor(s) 210 may include a videocamera and associated software component for identifying a flame in animage of the video camera. In some embodiments, sensor(s) 210 include aprocessing circuit. In various embodiments, sensor(s) 210 are positionedaround body 14 of refuse vehicle 10. For example, sensor(s) 210 may bepositioned on an outside surface of refuse compartment 30. In someembodiments, sensor(s) 210 are positioned elsewhere. For example,sensor(s) 210 may be positioned in a wheel well, battery compartment, orengine compartment of refuse vehicle 10. In various embodiments,sensor(s) 210 are positioned as to be safe from damage. For example,sensor(s) 210 may be positioned inside of refuse compartment 30 but awayfrom refuse that might damage sensor(s) 210. In some embodiments,sensor(s) 210 include protective elements. For example, sensor(s) 210may include a protective housing to protect sensor(s) 210 from causticrefuse in refuse compartment 30.

As shown in FIG. 2A, sensor(s) 210 are positioned on an outside surfaceof panels 32 and on top door 38. For example, sensor(s) 210 may includean aspirating smoke detector configured to sample air exiting refusecompartment 30 through top door 38 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2A, etc.). Asan additional example, sensor(s) 210 may be positioned on a packer,tailgate 34, and/or floor of refuse compartment 30. However, it shouldbe understood that sensor(s) 210 may be positioned anywhere on refusevehicle 10. In some embodiments, the thermal event monitoring systemincludes air sampling passage 220. Air sampling passage 220 may sampleair from within refuse compartment 30 and transport the sampled air toan aspirating smoke detector. In various embodiments, air samplingpassage 220 is or includes pipe, conduit, tubing, and/or the like. Forexample, air sampling passage 220 may be a steel pipe, an aluminum pipe,a copper pipe, a plastic pipe, and/or the like. In various embodiments,air sampling passage 220 is positioned around a top perimeter of refusecompartment 30. However, air sampling passage 220 may be positionedelsewhere. In various embodiments, sensor(s) 210 are configured to purgeair sampling passage 220 of obstructions. For example, an aspiratingsmoke detector may force pressurize air through air sampling passage 220to dislodge obstructions (e.g., stray refuse, liquid, etc.).

In some embodiments, refuse vehicle 10 includes fire suppressioncomponent 230. In various embodiments, the thermal event monitoringsystem may be configured to operate fire suppression component 230. Forexample, the thermal event monitoring system may detect the presence ofa thermal event (e.g., via sensor(s) 210, etc.) and may operate firesuppression component 230 to nullify the thermal event (e.g., spraywater on a flame, etc.). Fire suppression component 230 may be a firesprinkler, a gaseous agent dispenser, a chemical agent dispenser, and/orthe like. In various embodiments, fire suppression component 230 ispositioned within refuse compartment 30, thereby facilitating firesuppression associated with thermal events within refuse compartment 30.

Referring now specifically to FIG. 2B, an implementation of the thermalevent monitoring system of refuse vehicle 10 is shown, according to anexemplary embodiment. The thermal event monitoring system may includeone or more sensor(s) 210 positioned in the cab 16. For example, the oneor more sensor(s) 210 may include an aspirating smoke detectorpositioned within an engine tunnel of the cab 16. In variousembodiments, sensor(s) 210 sample an environment of refuse compartment30 via air sampling passage 220. Air sampling passage 220 may includefirst portion 222 and/or second portion 224. In various embodiments,first portion 222 is or includes a first type of air passage such as arigid pipe network (e.g., constructed of steel, etc.). Second portion224 may be or include a second type of air passage such as flexiblepiping (e.g., constructed of polyethylene, etc.). In variousembodiments, first portion 222 and/or second portion 224 are coupled torefuse vehicle 10. For example, first portion 222 may be coupled to aninterior portion of refuse compartment 30 (e.g., via routing clamps,etc.) and may transition to an exterior portion of refuse compartment30. In some embodiments, first portion 222 includes one or more samplingelements shown as apertures 228. Apertures 228 may include one or moreholes through which a medium such as air may flow between an outside ofair sampling passage 220 and an inside of air sampling passage 220. Insome embodiments, apertures 228 include protective elements configuredto prevent blockage of apertures 228 (e.g., by debris, etc.). In someembodiments, the thermal event monitoring system samples ambient airfrom a portion of refuse vehicle 10, such as from refuse compartment 30,via apertures 228 and transports the sampled air via air samplingpassage 220 to sensor(s) 210 for analysis.

In some embodiments, the thermal event monitoring system includes apurging system. For example, air sampling passage 220 may include apurging system coupled thereto that is configured to clear obstructionseffecting a sampling of air. The purging system may be coupled to airsampling passage 220 via junction 250. In various embodiments, junction250 includes one or more valves such as solenoid valves configures tocontrol a flow of a medium such as air through the purging system and/orair sampling passage 220. In various embodiments, the purging systemincludes a tank, shown as air tank 240, which supplies a medium such asair to junction 250 via passage 242. Air tank 240 may include a pressurevessel configured to store pressurized gas and supply the pressurizedgas to air sampling passage 220 to blow out any obstructions within airsampling passage 220. In various embodiments, air tank 240 is anexisting air tank of refuse vehicle 10 (e.g., used to supply pneumaticpower for components of refuse vehicle 10, etc.). In variousembodiments, sensor(s) 210 and/or the purging system detect anobstruction within air sampling passage 220 (e.g., by measuring a lowerthan expected flow rate, etc.) and operate junction 250 to deliver aburst of air from air tank 240 to air sampling passage 220 to clear theobstruction. Additionally or alternatively, sensor(s) 210 and/or thepurging system may purge air sampling passage 220 periodically. Inshould be understood that while air tank 240 is described in referenceto supplying pressurized air to air sampling passage 220, air tank 240may include other mediums such as a fire suppressant (e.g., water, etc.)and may deliver the medium to refuse compartment 30 in a similar fashion(e.g., via air sampling passage 220 in response to detecting a fire,etc.).

Referring now specifically to FIG. 2C, another implementation of thethermal event monitoring system of refuse vehicle 10 is shown, accordingto an exemplary embodiment. The thermal event monitoring system mayinclude sensor(s) 210 positioned on a wall of refuse compartment 30. Insome embodiments, sensor(s) 210 include a temperature sensor such as aresistance temperature detector (RTD) sensor. For example, sensor(s) 210may include a RTD sensor embedded in a sidewall of refuse compartment30. In various embodiments, a processing circuit, shown as controller214, is coupled to sensor(s) 210 via wiring 212. Wiring 212 may transmita signal from sensor(s) 210 to controller 214 (e.g., an electricalsignal associated with a temperature measurement, etc.). Controller 214may receive a measurement from sensor(s) 210 and analyze the measurementto determine an environmental condition (e.g., a temperature, etc.)associated with a portion of refuse vehicle 10. For example, controller214 may determine a temperature of an interior of refuse compartment 30by measuring a temperature of a sidewall of refuse compartment 30. Invarious embodiments, controller 214 is positioned in cab 16. Forexample, controller 214 may be positioned within an engine tunnel of cab16.

In various embodiments, controller 214 is connected to a number ofsensor(s) 210 and may identify a position of a thermal event. Forexample, controller 214 may receive temperature measurements from anumber of locations around refuse compartment 30 and may pinpoint alocation of a fire to a rear quarter left section of refuse compartment30 based on the temperature measurements. As another example, FIG. 2Dillustrates sensor(s) 210 distributed about refuse compartment 30,according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown, a first one of sensor(s)210 may be positioned on a top and center of refuse compartment 30ceiling, a second one of sensor(s) 210 may be positioned on a top frontsection of the sidewall of refuse compartment 30, a third one ofsensor(s) 210 may be positioned on a top rear section of the sidewall ofrefuse compartment 30, a fourth one of sensor(s) 210 may be positionedon a bottom front section of the sidewall of refuse compartment 30, anda fifth one of sensor(s) 210 may be positioned on a bottom rear sectionof the sidewall of refuse compartment 30. It should be understood thatsensor(s) 210 may be positioned on an interior, exterior, and/orembedded within refuse vehicle 10. For example, sensor(s) 210 may bepositioned within a sidewall of refuse compartment 30.

Referring now specifically to FIG. 2E, another implementation of thethermal event monitoring system of refuse vehicle 10 is shown, accordingto an exemplary embodiment. In some embodiments, the thermal eventmonitoring system includes sensor(s) 210 positioned within enginecompartment 20. For example, sensor(s) 210 may include a spot heatdetector positioned to monitor one or more characteristics, such astemperature, of one or more components of motor 18. Sensor(s) 210 maymeasure a temperature of motor 18 and transmit the temperaturemeasurement to controller 214 via wiring 212. Controller 214 may analyzethe temperature measurement to identify any thermal events associatedwith motor 18. Additionally or alternatively, sensor(s) 210 may bepositioned elsewhere on refuse vehicle 10. For example, as shown in FIG.2F, sensor(s) 210 may be positioned to monitor an electrical component,shown as battery 260, of refuse vehicle 10. In various embodiments,sensor(s) 210 include temperature sensors, voltage sensors, currentsensors, and/or battery health sensors. For example, sensor(s) 210 mayinclude a number of sensors configured to measure voltage, temperature,and current of a number of batteries connected in parallel. In someembodiments, sensor(s) 210 include a stand-alone battery monitor.Additionally or alternatively, sensor(s) 210 may include a dual currentsensor.

Referring now to FIG. 3 , thermal event monitoring system 300 is shown,according to an exemplary embodiment. In various embodiments, thermalevent monitoring system 300 is configured to detect thermal eventsassociated with refuse vehicle 10 (e.g., thermal events within refusevehicle 10, etc.) and perform various operations based on the detection.For example, thermal event monitoring system 300 may operate firesuppression system 350 and/or external systems/devices 360. As anadditional example, thermal event monitoring system 300 may alert one ormore emergency response teams (e.g., a 911 operator, etc.). It should beunderstood that while thermal event monitoring system 300 is describedin relation to refuse vehicle 10, thermal event monitoring system 300 isusable with other vehicles such as utility vehicles and/or mixers (e.g.,concrete mixing truck 100, etc.). In various embodiments, thermal eventmonitoring system 300 is communicably coupled to sensor(s) 210, firesuppression system 350, and/or external systems/devices 360. Firesuppression system 350 may be associated with refuse vehicle 10 and/or abuilding associated with refuse vehicle 10. For example, firesuppression system 350 may be an onboard fire suppression systemconfigured to suppress fires in refuse vehicle 10. As an additionalexample, fire suppression system 350 may be a fire suppression systemfor a garage where refuse vehicle 10 is parked when not in operation. Invarious embodiments, fire suppression system 350 is configured tosuppress fires (e.g., via a fire sprinkler, etc.). Externalsystems/devices 360 may include a fleet management system, a telematicssystem, an emergency response team, and/or the like. For example,thermal event monitoring system 300 may transmit data via telematics toa virtual refuse vehicle represented by external systems/devices 360.

Thermal event monitoring system 300 is shown to include processingcircuit 310 and user interface 320. Processing circuit 310 may includeprocessor 312 and memory 314. Processor 312 may be coupled to memory314. Processor 312 may be a general purpose or specific purposeprocessor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one ormore field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a group of processingcomponents, or other suitable processing components. Processor 312 isconfigured to execute computer code or instructions stored in memory 314or received from other computer readable media (e.g., CDROM, networkstorage, a remote server, etc.).

Memory 314 may include one or more devices (e.g., memory units, memorydevices, storage devices, etc.) for storing data and/or computer codefor completing and/or facilitating the various processes described inthe present disclosure. Memory 314 may include random access memory(RAM), read-only memory (ROM), hard drive storage, temporary storage,non-volatile memory, flash memory, optical memory, or any other suitablememory for storing software objects and/or computer instructions. Memory314 may include database components, object code components, scriptcomponents, or any other type of information structure for supportingthe various activities and information structures described in thepresent disclosure. Memory 314 may be communicably connected toprocessor 312 via processing circuit 310 and may include computer codefor executing (e.g., by processor 312) one or more of the processesdescribed herein.

Detection circuit 316 is configured to receive signals from sensor(s)210 and detect the presence of a thermal event. A thermal event mayinclude a fire, excess heat (e.g., an amount of heat above what would beexpected for an area given the context, etc.), smoke, flames, and/or thelike. In some embodiments, detection circuit 316 determines a thermalevent using an algorithm. For example, detection circuit 316 maydetermine a thermal event using a rate-of-rise algorithm. Additionallyor alternatively, detection circuit 316 may determine a thermal eventusing a threshold. For example, detection circuit 316 may determine thepresence of a thermal event if a temperature of refuse compartment 30,or a region thereof, exceeds a threshold temperature (e.g., asdetermined by sensor(s) 210, etc.). In some embodiments, detectioncircuit 316 detects a location of a thermal event. For example,detection circuit 316 may determine a thermal event is located in a rearleft portion of refuse compartment 30. In some embodiments, detectioncircuit 316 classifies thermal events. For example, detection circuit316 may determine a risk associated with a thermal event. In variousembodiments, in response to determining a thermal event, detectioncircuit 316 transmits an indication of the thermal event to alertingcircuit 318.

Alerting circuit 318 is configured to perform one or more operations inresponse to receiving an indication of a thermal event. In someembodiments, alerting circuit 318 presents an indication of the thermalevent to an operator of refuse vehicle 10. For example, alerting circuit318 may control user interface 320 to display a warning to an operatorof refuse vehicle 10. In some embodiments, alerting circuit 318 operatesrefuse vehicle 10. For example, alerting circuit 318 may operate apacker of tailgate 34 to smother a fire inside of refuse compartment 30.In some embodiments, alerting circuit 318 operates fire suppressionsystem 350. For example, alerting circuit 318 may operate firesuppression system 350 to suppress a fire inside of refuse compartment30. Additionally or alternatively, alerting circuit 318 may transmit oneor more notifications. For example, alerting circuit 318 may transmit anotification of the thermal event and associated information (e.g., alocation of refuse vehicle 10, etc.) to a fleet management system. As anadditional example, alerting circuit 318 may transmit a notification ofthe thermal event and associated information to an emergency responseteam (e.g., a 911 operator, etc.). Additionally or alternatively,alerting circuit 318 may reroute refuse vehicle 10. For example, in thecase of a fully-autonomous refuse vehicle, alerting circuit 318 mayreroute refuse vehicle 10 to a safe location (e.g., a service location,a fire station, away from a densely populated area, etc.). As a furtherexample, alerting circuit 318 may notify an operator of refuse vehicle10 of the thermal event and may generate a GPS route to a safe locationfor the operator.

User interface 320 is configured to present information to and receiveinformation from a user. In some embodiments, user interface 320includes a display device (e.g., a monitor, a touchscreen, etc.). Insome embodiments, user interface 320 includes an audio device (e.g., amicrophone, a speaker, etc.). In various embodiments, user interface 320receives alerts from alerting circuit 318 and presents the alerts to anoperator of refuse vehicle 10. For example, user interface 320 mayreceive a visual alert from alerting circuit 318 and display a graphicon a display device to alert an operator of refuse vehicle 10 of athermal event associated with refuse vehicle 10.

Referring now to FIG. 4 , housing 400 for thermal event monitoringsystem 300 or a component thereof is shown, according to an exemplaryembodiment. Housing 400 may be positioned in cab 16 of refuse vehicle10. For example, housing 400 may be integrated with a control consoleoperable by an operator of refuse vehicle 10 within cab 16. In variousembodiments, housing 400 is constructed of aluminum, steel, plastic,and/or a composite. However, it should be understood that housing 400may be constructed of any material or a combination thereof. Housing 400is shown to include front 402, back 404, top 406, and bottom 408. Invarious embodiments, housing 400 includes a number of panels coupledtogether to form an interior volume, shown as inside 430. A door, shownas access 420, may provide access to inside 430. In various embodiments,thermal event monitoring system 300 or a component thereof is positionedwithin inside 430. For example, a processing circuit of thermal eventmonitoring system 300 may be positioned within housing 400. In variousembodiments, housing 400 includes one or more apertures, shown as powerinlet 414 and sampling inlet 412. Sampling inlet 412 may include a holeto allow air sampling passage 220 to deliver sampled air to anaspirating smoke detector positioned within housing 400. Additionally oralternatively, sampling inlet 412 may allow passage of wiring 212 intohousing 400. Power inlet 414 may provide routing for a power supply(e.g., an electrical wire carrying supply power, etc.) into housing 400.

In various embodiments, access 420 may include one or more indicators422. Indicators 422 may include a light source such as a colored LED. Invarious embodiments, indicators 422 are associated with descriptivetext. For example, an indicator 422 associated with a temperature statusof an engine of refuse vehicle 10 may include the text “Engine.” Invarious embodiments, indicators 422 provide visual status indications toa user. For example, an LED may be green to represent a normal status(e.g., a safe status, etc.), may flash yellow to indicate a warningstatus, and may flash red to indicate an unsafe status (e.g., a thermalevent, etc.). In various embodiments, access 420 includes an auditorysystem, shown as speaker 424. Speaker 424 may provide audio feedback toa user. For example, speaker 424 may provide an audio alert when athermal event is detected. In various embodiments, indicators 422 and/orspeaker 424 are connected to thermal event monitoring system 300. Forexample, thermal event monitoring system 300 may control indicators 422and/or speaker 424 based on monitoring refuse vehicle 10.

Turning now to FIG. 5 , method 500 for thermal event monitoring isshown, according to an exemplary embodiment. In various embodiments,thermal event monitoring system 300 performs method 500. In variousembodiments, method 500 is used for battery monitoring. For example,thermal event monitoring system 300 may monitor one or more batteries ofrefuse vehicle 10 for a thermal event (e.g., as indicated by excesscurrent, temperature, etc.). At step 510, thermal event monitoringsystem 300 may receive at least one of a temperature, current, orvoltage measurement. In various embodiments, thermal event monitoringsystem 300 receives the at least one measurement from sensor(s) 210. Forexample, sensor(s) 210 may include a temperature and voltage probepositioned to monitor operation of a battery network of an electricrefuse vehicle 10.

At step 512, thermal event monitoring system 300 time averages the atleast one of the temperature, current, or voltage. For example, thermalevent monitoring system 300 may compute a rolling mean for the last 30measurements. At step 514, thermal event monitoring system 300 comparesthe time average to a threshold. For example, thermal event monitoringsystem 300 may compare a time average of a temperature measurement to atemperature threshold. In various embodiments, the threshold includesone or more ranges. For example, the threshold may include a first rangefrom XA-XB and a second range from YA-YB (e.g., where XA, XB, YA, and YBrepresent temperature, current, and/or voltage values, etc.). Inresponse to a first result of the comparison, thermal event monitoringsystem 300 may perform a first action (step 516). For example, inresponse to the time average temperature, current, and/or voltage beingin a first range, thermal event monitoring system 300 may clear thestored measurements (e.g., reset the time average, etc.). In response toa second result of the comparison, thermal event monitoring system 300may perform a second action (step 518). For example, in response to thetime average temperature, current, and/or voltage being in a secondrange, thermal event monitoring system 300 may generate a firstnotification to a user such as blinking a yellow LED (e.g., of housing400, etc.). In response to a third result of the comparison, thermalevent monitoring system 300 may perform a third action (step 520). Forexample, in response to the time average temperature, current, and/orvoltage being in a third range, thermal event monitoring system 300 maygenerate a second notification to a user such as a blinking red LED andsounding an audio alarm. Additionally or alternatively, steps 516, 518,and/or 520 may include transmitting a notification such as an alert to avehicle management system. In various embodiments, method 500 repeats.For example, after step 520, thermal event monitoring system 300 mayperform step 510.

Turning now to FIG. 6 , method 600 for thermal event monitoring isshown, according to an exemplary embodiment. In various embodiments,thermal event monitoring system 300 performs method 600. In variousembodiments, method 600 is used for engine monitoring. For example,thermal event monitoring system 300 may monitor one or more componentsof an engine of refuse vehicle 10 for a thermal event (e.g., asindicated by excess temperature, etc.). At step 610, thermal eventmonitoring system 300 may receive a temperature measurement. In variousembodiments, thermal event monitoring system 300 receives the at leastone measurement from sensor(s) 210. For example, sensor(s) 210 mayinclude a temperature probe positioned to monitor operation of an engineof refuse vehicle 10.

At step 612, thermal event monitoring system 300 time averages thetemperature. For example, thermal event monitoring system 300 maycompute a rolling mean for the last 30 measurements. At step 614,thermal event monitoring system 300 compares the time average to athreshold. For example, thermal event monitoring system 300 may comparea time average of a temperature measurement to a temperature threshold.In various embodiments, the threshold includes one or more ranges. Inresponse to a first result of the comparison, thermal event monitoringsystem 300 may perform a first action (step 616). For example, inresponse to the time average temperature being in a first range (e.g.,below 300° F., etc.), thermal event monitoring system 300 may clear thestored measurements (e.g., reset the time average, etc.). In response toa second result of the comparison, thermal event monitoring system 300may perform a second action (step 618). For example, in response to thetime average temperature being in a second range (e.g., between 300° F.and 350° F., etc.), thermal event monitoring system 300 may generate afirst notification to a user such as blinking a yellow LED (e.g., ofhousing 400, etc.). In response to a third result of the comparison,thermal event monitoring system 300 may perform a third action (step620). For example, in response to the time average temperature being ina third range (e.g., at or above 350° F., etc.), thermal eventmonitoring system 300 may generate a second notification to a user suchas a blinking red LED and sounding an audio alarm. Additionally oralternatively, steps 616, 618, and/or 620 may include transmitting anotification such as an alert to a vehicle management system. In variousembodiments, method 600 repeats. For example, after step 620, thermalevent monitoring system 300 may perform step 610.

Turning now to FIG. 7 , method 700 for thermal event monitoring isshown, according to an exemplary embodiment. In various embodiments,thermal event monitoring system 300 performs method 700. In variousembodiments, method 700 is used for monitoring a body of refuse vehicle10, such as refuse compartment 30. For example, thermal event monitoringsystem 300 may monitor refuse compartment 30 for a thermal event (e.g.,as indicated by excess temperature, etc.). At step 710, thermal eventmonitoring system 300 may receive a temperature measurement. In variousembodiments, thermal event monitoring system 300 receives themeasurement from sensor(s) 210. For example, sensor(s) 210 may include atemperature probe positioned to monitor an interior of refusecompartment 30 of refuse vehicle 10.

At step 712, thermal event monitoring system 300 time averages thetemperature. For example, thermal event monitoring system 300 maycompute a rolling mean for the last 30 measurements. At step 714,thermal event monitoring system 300 may calculate a rate of change inthe time averaged temperature. For example, thermal event monitoringsystem 300 may determine that a temperature average for a first timeperiod is 50° F. and a temperature average for a second time period is60° F. and may determine that the rate of change is 10° F./time elapsedbetween first period and second period. At step 716, thermal eventmonitoring system 300 compares the rate of change to one or morethresholds. For example, thermal event monitoring system 300 may comparethe temperature rate of change to a rate of change threshold. In variousembodiments, the threshold includes one or more ranges. In response to afirst result of the comparison, thermal event monitoring system 300 mayperform a first action (step 718). For example, in response to the rateof change being below a first threshold, thermal event monitoring system300 may clear the stored measurements (e.g., reset the time averageand/or the rate of change, etc.). In response to a second result of thecomparison, thermal event monitoring system 300 may perform a secondaction (step 720). For example, in response to the rate of change beingbetween the first threshold and a second threshold, thermal eventmonitoring system 300 may generate a first notification to a user suchas blinking a yellow LED (e.g., of housing 400, etc.). In response to athird result of the comparison, thermal event monitoring system 300 mayperform a third action (step 722). For example, in response to the rateof change being above the second threshold, thermal event monitoringsystem 300 may generate a second notification to a user such as ablinking red LED and sounding an audio alarm. Additionally oralternatively, steps 718, 720, and/or 722 may include transmitting anotification such as an alert to a vehicle management system. In variousembodiments, method 700 repeats. For example, after step 722, thermalevent monitoring system 300 may perform step 710.

As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially”,and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony withthe common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art towhich the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should beunderstood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure thatthese terms are intended to allow a description of certain featuresdescribed and claimed without restricting the scope of these features tothe precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms shouldbe interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequentialmodifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimedare considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as recited inthe appended claims.

It should be noted that the term “exemplary” and variations thereof, asused herein to describe various embodiments, are intended to indicatethat such embodiments are possible examples, representations, orillustrations of possible embodiments (and such terms are not intendedto connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary orsuperlative examples).

The term “coupled” and variations thereof, as used herein, means thejoining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Suchjoining may be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed) or moveable (e.g.,removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the twomembers coupled directly to each other, with the two members coupled toeach other using a separate intervening member and any additionalintermediate members coupled with one another, or with the two memberscoupled to each other using an intervening member that is integrallyformed as a single unitary body with one of the two members. If“coupled” or variations thereof are modified by an additional term(e.g., directly coupled), the generic definition of “coupled” providedabove is modified by the plain language meaning of the additional term(e.g., “directly coupled” means the joining of two members without anyseparate intervening member), resulting in a narrower definition thanthe generic definition of “coupled” provided above. Such coupling may bemechanical, electrical, or fluidic.

References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,”“above,” “below”) are merely used to describe the orientation of variouselements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientation ofvarious elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments,and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the presentdisclosure.

The hardware and data processing components used to implement thevarious processes, operations, illustrative logics, logical blocks,modules and circuits described in connection with the embodimentsdisclosed herein may be implemented or performed with a general purposesingle- or multi-chip processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), anapplication specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmablegate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic device, discrete gate ortransistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combinationthereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A generalpurpose processor may be a microprocessor, or, any conventionalprocessor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processoralso may be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as acombination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality ofmicroprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSPcore, or any other such configuration. In some embodiments, particularprocesses and methods may be performed by circuitry that is specific toa given function. The memory (e.g., memory, memory unit, storage device)may include one or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, Flash memory, hard diskstorage) for storing data and/or computer code for completing orfacilitating the various processes, layers and modules described in thepresent disclosure. The memory may be or include volatile memory ornon-volatile memory, and may include database components, object codecomponents, script components, or any other type of informationstructure for supporting the various activities and informationstructures described in the present disclosure. According to anexemplary embodiment, the memory is communicably connected to theprocessor via a processing circuit and includes computer code forexecuting (e.g., by the processing circuit or the processor) the one ormore processes described herein.

The present disclosure contemplates methods, systems and programproducts on any machine-readable media for accomplishing variousoperations. The embodiments of the present disclosure may be implementedusing existing computer processors, or by a special purpose computerprocessor for an appropriate system, incorporated for this or anotherpurpose, or by a hardwired system. Embodiments within the scope of thepresent disclosure include program products comprising machine-readablemedia for carrying or having machine-executable instructions or datastructures stored thereon. Such machine-readable media can be anyavailable media that can be accessed by a general purpose or specialpurpose computer or other machine with a processor. By way of example,such machine-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, orother optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magneticstorage devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or storedesired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions ordata structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose orspecial purpose computer or other machine with a processor. Combinationsof the above are also included within the scope of machine-readablemedia. Machine-executable instructions include, for example,instructions and data which cause a general purpose computer, specialpurpose computer, or special purpose processing machines to perform acertain function or group of functions.

Although the figures and description may illustrate a specific order ofmethod steps, the order of such steps may differ from what is depictedand described, unless specified differently above. Also, two or moresteps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence, unlessspecified differently above. Such variation may depend, for example, onthe software and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. Allsuch variations are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise,software implementations of the described methods could be accomplishedwith standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and otherlogic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps,comparison steps, and decision steps.

It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of therefuse vehicle 10 and the systems and components thereof as shown in thevarious exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Additionally, anyelement disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated or utilized withany other embodiment disclosed herein. Although only one example of anelement from one embodiment that can be incorporated or utilized inanother embodiment has been described above, it should be appreciatedthat other elements of the various embodiments may be incorporated orutilized with any of the other embodiments disclosed herein.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A refuse vehicle, comprising: a chassis; abody assembly coupled to the chassis, the body assembly defining arefuse compartment; a thermal event monitoring system comprising one ormore sampling elements configured to sample an environmental conditionassociated with the refuse compartment and a processing circuitconfigured to determine a presence of a thermal event indicating atleast one of a fire or an overheating component based on air from theone or more sampling elements, wherein the one or more sampling elementsinclude an air sampling line configured to capture the air from therefuse compartment of the refuse vehicle and transport the air to asensor positioned outside of the refuse compartment and operativelycoupled to the processing circuit; and a fire suppression systemconfigured to provide a fire suppressant to the refuse compartment viathe air sampling line in response to a determination by the processingcircuit that the thermal event is present based on a signal from thesensor.
 2. The refuse vehicle of claim 1, wherein the processing circuitis further configured to alert an operator of the refuse vehicle of thethermal event via a user interface of the refuse vehicle.
 3. The refusevehicle of claim 1, wherein the one or more sampling elements furtherinclude an air purge system configured to provide compressed air to theair sampling line to clear debris from at least one of an inside of theair sampling line or a sampling opening of the air sampling line.
 4. Therefuse vehicle of claim 1, wherein the sensor includes an aspiratingsmoke detector configured to analyze the air to detect the thermalevent.
 5. The refuse vehicle of claim 1, further comprising atemperature sensor configured to measure at least one of an airtemperature or a temperature of a surface the temperature sensor iscoupled to.
 6. The refuse vehicle of claim 5, wherein the temperaturesensor is positioned in an engine compartment of the refuse vehicle andconfigured to measure a temperature associated with a prime mover of therefuse vehicle.
 7. The refuse vehicle of claim 5, wherein thetemperature sensor is positioned to measure a temperature associatedwith a battery of the refuse vehicle.
 8. The refuse vehicle of claim 5,wherein the temperature sensor includes a resistance temperaturedetector (RTD) positioned to measure a temperature associated with arefuse compartment of the refuse vehicle.
 9. The refuse vehicle of claim5, wherein the temperature sensor is positioned between a cab of therefuse vehicle and the refuse compartment.
 10. The refuse vehicle ofclaim 1, further comprising a packer configured to compact loose refuse,wherein the processing circuit is further configured to, in response todetermining a presence of a fire in the refuse compartment, operate thepacker to smother the fire.
 11. A thermal event monitoring system for arefuse vehicle, comprising: a sampling element configured to sample anenvironmental condition associated with a refuse compartment of therefuse vehicle, the sampling element including an air sampling lineconfigured to capture air from the refuse compartment of the refusevehicle and transport the air to a sensor positioned outside of therefuse compartment of the refuse vehicle; a processing circuitcomprising a processor and memory, the memory having instructions storedthereon that, when executed by the processor, cause the processingcircuit to: receive a signal from the sensor regarding the air; anddetermine a presence of a thermal event indicating at least one of afire or an overheating component based on the signal from the sensor;and a fire suppression system configured to provide a fire suppressantto the refuse compartment of the refuse vehicle via the air samplingline.
 12. The thermal event monitoring system of claim 11, wherein theinstructions further cause the processing circuit to alert an operatorof the refuse vehicle of the thermal event via a user interface of therefuse vehicle.
 13. The thermal event monitoring system of claim 11,wherein the sampling element further includes an air purge systemconfigured to provide compressed air to the air sampling line to cleardebris from at least one of an inside of the air sampling line or asampling opening of the air sampling line.
 14. The thermal eventmonitoring system of claim 11, wherein the sensor includes an aspiratingsmoke detector configured to analyze the air to detect the thermalevent.
 15. The thermal event monitoring system of claim 11, furthercomprising a temperature sensor configured to measure at least one of anair temperature or a temperature of a surface that the temperaturesensor is coupled to.
 16. The thermal event monitoring system of claim15, wherein the temperature sensor is positioned in an enginecompartment of the refuse vehicle and configured to measure atemperature associated with a prime mover of the refuse vehicle.
 17. Thethermal event monitoring system of claim 15, wherein the temperaturesensor is positioned to measure a temperature associated with a batteryof the refuse vehicle.
 18. The thermal event monitoring system of claim15, wherein the temperature sensor includes a resistance temperaturedetector (RTD) positioned to measure a temperature associated with therefuse compartment of the refuse vehicle.
 19. The thermal eventmonitoring system of claim 15, wherein the temperature sensor ispositioned between a cab of the refuse vehicle and the refusecompartment.
 20. The thermal event monitoring system of claim 11,wherein: the refuse vehicle comprises a packer configured to compactloose refuse; and the instructions further cause the processing circuitto operate the packer, in response to determining the presence of afire, to smother the fire.